Within the CEGB, irradiated fuel flask transport op­erations are carried out by the nuclear power stations and by Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories. The CEGB Nuclear Operations Support Group (NOSG) co-ordi­nates ‘user’ requirements, controlling flask movements, advising on operational procedures and identifying requirements for new or improved plant. The design and procurement of fuel flasks to the requirements specified by NOSG, and the preparation of safety cases on which applications for competent authority approval are based, is the responsibility of the Gen­eration Development and Construction Division.

The CEGB’s Health and Safety Department is re­sponsible for advice and assessment at all stages of the transport operation, in order to ensure that the required safety standards are being achieved. They also liaise with the competent authority and apply for and negotiate approval certificates.

Research in support of transport is carried out by the Technology Planning and Research Division.

Transmission Division provides independent inspec­tion as part of the CEGB’s overall quality assurance arrangements and in particular through its regional production, inspection and testing field services (PITFS) offices, during the manufacture and maintenance of fuel flasks. The Structures Testing Centre at Cheddar carries out regulatory compliance drop tests on flasks and flask scale models.

Several external organisations are involved in the CEGB’s irradiated fuel transport operations. These include British Rail, which in addition to being the main carrier, also supplies, to the requirements spe­cified by NOSG, the special rail wagons called flatrols used for transporting flasks. British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) carry out the routine sequence of re­ceipt, discharge, inspection and return of fuel flasks, and they also carry out routine and non-routine flask maintenance.